Basketball Defensive Drills - Quick Close-out

Description:

This drill focuses on the defensive player performing a proper close-out of a shooter. Upon release of the shot a proper box-out must be performed along with a rebound, proper pivot, and strong outlet pass to the shooter who is roaming along the free-throw line.

Instructions:

Form a line behind the base line on the right side of the free-throw lane line. Put a shooter at the elbow. The player at the baseline has the ball. At the whistle, the base line player passes the ball to the shooter who squares up for a shot. The defensive player closes out and yells, 'Shot', turns and boxes out shooter. Defensive player then explodes to the rebound, catches the ball with elbows out and pivots towards the shooter who is yelling, 'outlet'. The shooter has rotated to the opposite elbow. The defensive player passes the ball to the shooter and goes through the same sequence. After the third sequence the shooter remains at the starting elbow. After receiving the ball - the shooter passes the ball to the baseline and the defensive player hustles to the elbow and becomes the shooter. After shooting, the players go to the end of the line. During the drill, players on the baseline encourage the players. The drill is done three times for a total of 9 sequences per player with increased intensity each set of three.

Number of Players:

2

Tips:

This drill develops proper rebounding and close-outs on shooters. By having the shooter involved with 'outlet' you are training for game situations. It is important to have a high level of intensity. This drill will tire the players a little and it is a good tool for discipline if done properly. Mistakes and lack of intensity are cause for sprints or other physical discipline.

Variations:

You can rotate the lines at both free-throw ends....if you have several baskets.....use four players at each basket to get more reps from the players....you may run the drill to five sequences for a real good work-out......

Skills:

Rebounding, Pivot, Pass, Quick release shooting

Copyright:

This basketball drill is licensed under a Creative Commons License. This drill is from Pål Degerstrøm at www.degerstrom.com/basketball.